Body Care

Good body care is just as important for triathletes and endurance athletes as the right equipment. Chafing from a wetsuit, saddle soreness after long hours in the saddle, tired muscles after a hard training session: these are ailments that you can prevent or speed up recovery from with the right products.

The range is divided into three usage moment categories. Before training or competition: warming-up and activation products that prepare muscles for effort. During: chamois cream, anti-chafe products and nipple guards that protect you during prolonged exertion. And afterwards: recovery creams, massage oil and rinse products that support recovery and make the next training session possible. The most important selection criteria are the moment of use and the specific problem you want to address.

Which body care product suits you?

The right choice depends on when you use the product and which part of your body you want to protect or recover. The following scenarios help you quickly find the right direction.

You suffer from chafing during swimming, cycling or running: Anti-chafe products in stick or cream form are applied to the skin at places where friction occurs: armpits, upper thighs, neck and everywhere clothing or equipment moves along your skin. Apply the product before training or competition. In triathlon, chafing from the wetsuit around the neck and armpits is a frequently heard complaint; an anti-chafe stick on those spots makes the difference.

You cycle a lot and want to prevent saddle soreness and skin irritation in the saddle: Chamois cream is a softening cream that you apply to the skin at saddle height, or to the chamois pad of your cycling shorts. The cream reduces friction, protects the skin and reduces the chance of irritation, saddle soreness and saddle sores on longer rides. There are men's and women's models with a formula tailored to anatomical differences.

You run long distances and suffer from burning or bleeding nipples: Nipple guards are applied to the nipples before you go running. They protect the sensitive skin against friction from the shirt, which with wet or damp fabric at longer distances quickly leads to irritation or bleeding. Small product, big effect — especially at half and full triathlons or marathons.

You want to activate and warm up your muscles before training: A warming cream or warming gel is applied to the muscle groups you are about to load. The ingredients stimulate blood circulation and give a warming sensation, which brings muscles up to temperature more quickly. Handy for cold morning races, early training sessions or as part of your warm-up routine.

You want to recover more quickly after a hard training session or competition: Recovery products such as massage oil and recovery cream support blood circulation after exertion and help loosen tired muscles. Applying via a light massage after training strengthens the recovery effect. They are not a replacement for rest and good nutrition, but a useful addition to your recovery routine.

What to look for when purchasing?

Anti-chafe products

Anti-chafe products are available as stick, cream or gel. A stick is compact, easy to take along on race day and precise to apply. A cream or gel can be spread more broadly and is better for larger surfaces. Choose products that are water-resistant if you also want to use them during swimming or in the rain. Some formulas are based on natural ingredients, which is preferred for people with sensitive skin.

Chamois cream

Chamois cream is applied to the skin or to the chamois pad of your cycling shorts before cycling. There are men's and women's formulas: the anatomical differences in pressure points require a different composition and application. Choose the variant that matches your gender and preferably test the cream on a shorter ride first before using it on a long competition. Some models contain antibacterial ingredients that help prevent skin problems with prolonged time in the saddle.

Warming and recovery products

Warming products are intended for use before training; recovery products afterwards. Do not use them interchangeably. A warming gel on tired muscles after training can cause irritation; a recovery cream before training misses the warming effect. Choose based on the moment of use and read the product description as to whether the product is intended pre- or post-training.

Nipple guards

Nipple guards are specifically developed for sport: they stay on in sweat and wet conditions, unlike ordinary plasters. Wear them at every running competition or endurance training where you run for more than an hour. They are small, light and fit easily in a race bag.

Our advice: Always test new products first during a training session, never use them for the first time on race day. An anti-chafe stick or chamois cream that suits your skin you only know after a real effort. That way you are not confronted with surprises at the competition that matters most.

When do you use which product?

A handy overview of the three usage moment categories in this range:

Before training or competition: warming cream and activating products to prepare muscles for effort. Apply before warming up.

During training or competition: chamois cream and anti-chafe products for skin protection during prolonged friction. Apply before the start on the vulnerable spots. Nipple guards: apply before departure, not along the way.

After training or competition: massage oil and recovery cream for support of muscle recovery. Apply after showering via a light massage on the loaded muscle groups.

Who are sports body care products suitable for?

• Triathletes who want to prevent chafing from a wetsuit, saddle soreness or nipple irritation at long competitions.
• Cyclists and triathletes who use chamois cream for saddle comfort during longer training sessions or competitions.
• Runners who need nipple guards or anti-chafe products at long distances.
• Endurance athletes who want to support their recovery after heavy training sessions with massage oil or recovery cream.
• Athletes who want to warm up their muscles for cold morning training sessions or early competitions.

Need help with your choice?

Would you like to buy a body care product but are not sure what suits your situation best? Then we are happy to help. You can reach our specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our triathlon store in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about body care for athletes

What is chamois cream and what is it used for?

Chamois cream is a softening cream that you apply before cycling to the skin or to the chamois pad of your cycling shorts to prevent friction, irritation and saddle soreness on longer rides. The cream protects the skin during prolonged pressure and friction load in the saddle. There are men's and women's formulas that take anatomical differences in pressure points into account. Chamois cream is also used by triathletes for the cycling section.

Why do I need anti-chafe products for triathlon?

In triathlon, chafing is a frequently heard problem, particularly at the places where the wetsuit moves along the skin: neck, armpits and the collar. Also at longer running distances, upper thighs, armpits and nipples can become irritated by friction from clothing. Anti-chafe products in stick or cream form create a protective layer on the skin that reduces friction. Applying before the start prevents chafing that would otherwise only hurt after the finish.

Are nipple guards only for men?

No. Although nipple guards are most visibly a problem with men when running due to thinner fitness shirts, women also benefit from them during prolonged effort where the shirt systematically moves along sensitive skin. They are usable for everyone who suffers from nipple irritation at long distances.

What is the difference between a warming cream and a recovery cream?

A warming cream is intended for use before training. The ingredients stimulate blood circulation and give a warmth sensation that brings muscles up to temperature more quickly. A recovery cream is intended after training. That supports the removal of waste products in the muscles and promotes recovery. Do not use them interchangeably: a warming cream on tired post-training muscles can cause irritation rather than promoting recovery.

Can I use anti-chafe products under a wetsuit?

Yes, but pay attention to the type of product. Products based on vaseline or fats are harmful to neoprene and attack your wetsuit. When using under a wetsuit, choose exclusively products that are suitable for neoprene, or choose a water- or silicone-based product. If in doubt, check the product description as to whether the product is safe to use in combination with a wetsuit.